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(Remodel) E. A. SHUMWAY.

STEP LADDER.

Patented Aug. 21,1888.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDWARD A. SHUMWAY, OF WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA.

STEP-LADDER. I

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 283,524, dated August 21, 1883,

Application filed May 29, 1883. (No mum.)

fully explained by reference to the aocompanying drawing, in which the figure is a view of my ladder.

A A are the side pieces of aladder, in which the steps B are secured, and O G are the rear standards or supports. The upper parts of the side pieces, A, have semicircular or segmental grooves D cut inthem, as shown, and the upper ends of the standards 6 have corresponding projections, E, which fit the grooves. Metal strapsFare secured across and embrace the parts A and C, so as to lap at the common center, from which the arcs D and E are formed. I

Through the lapping ends bolts or rivets are secured, so that the parts A and C may be opened or closed about these centers, the are E turning in the corresponding depression, D. The upper ends of the standards 0 project above the curved part E, as shown at G, and

when the standards have been opened out from the main portion of the ladder to the point where they are to stand to support the ladder these lugs or extensions G will come in contact with the upper partsof A and thus form a brace.

The construction is such that the weight upon the ladder tends-to keep it opened, and there is no need of a brace to prevent the collapse of the ladder when in use. It is easily handled, being readily opened or closed with one hand, as there are no braces to manipulate.

g It will be manifest that the curves might be recessed in the side pieces, Aand 0; but I have found it most economical to cut them as I have here shown.

Having thus described my invention, what I I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a step-ladder, the step-rails and the rear standards, united ator near their upper ends by means of a curved depression formed in one and a corresponding projection upon the EDWARD A. SHUMWAY.

Witnesses:

G. B. STUDLEY, S. H. NounsE. 

